Why are a lot of boxing fans switching over to the U.F.C?

Answer 1

True Boxing fans are not switching over just adding MMA, Mauy Thai, etc. to their interest. I started out boxing many years ago, 15 years later studied Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido eventually competing in Kickboxing in the Senior Division. Coinsiding with this time in early 90's UFC came along and I became a fan as well. Although I am a fan of both and respect both MMA and Boxing as sports, I am still a diehard boxing fan and casual MMA fan; as I believe are most of the people that actually put butts in seats for fights. As anyone in sports marketing will tell you "butts in seats" fans are the true fans and spend more money on merchandise, PPV, etc. Look at Pro Wrestling (not a true sport) it is very successful at making money through merchandising, PPV and putting "butts in seats"; the MMA promoters are doing OK with PPV and some merchandising but still are not drawing the "live gates". It true MMA is growing but Boxing is not dying or fans switching to MMA and abandoning Boxing. Look at the PPV buys for De La Hoya/Mayweather; Boxing fans are not switching just enjoying both.

Another place to look for the supposed trend is in websites and thread counts on BLOGS. This very site YAHOO Answers is an example; compare the activity on Boxing vs. MMA (in the Martial Arts category). Boxing questions average 5- to1 vs. MMA questions when you separate out the traditional Martial Arts (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, etc.) questions. YAHOO should start a separate MMA thread anyway.

The growth of Boxing is static and declining, MMA is growing. The raw numbers indicate this but Boxing still has a huge lead in numbers, years and most importantly rich history. MMA is not growing from Boxing loosing or switching of fans it is growing from the addition of these fans. There is room for both sports.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular opinion, BOXING still remains as the most PURE fighting sport there is, allowing ONLY the use of the fist as a weapon. With that in mind, however, recent developments in boxing promotions and Pay Per View have made boxing a sport of "encumerance". The sport has no real system or way o promoting and sanctioning fights. There are few if any scheduled bouts and many of the top fighters take many months if not years of contract negotiating before a fight can take place, often many years past the prime of the actual fighters......UFC has very few barriers at this time, as well as the fact that the fighters rarely get hurt besides a bruise or a cut. Boxers have no tapouts and often fight FAR past the time where they are hurt long term.......

Answer 3

Because they actually FIGHT!!

In Boxing, heavyweights barely punch any more, they wrestle around the ring like tired slobs.

And in the lighter divisions, most of the best fighters are 'elusive'... which is a boxing term to say that they throw jabs and run away for 12 rounds.

UFC fighters are nowhere NEAR as good or talented, but they fight coming forward. When they clench and grapple, they're still fighting. You have a MUCH better chance of seeing an exciting fight.

I watch heavyweights these days, and I think I'm watching a hugging and tickling contest.

Answer 4

It's something new and interesting. I wouldn't care if the dudes bled or not, I am interested in the effectiveness of their skills. There's a karate or tkd or kung fu place everywhere so it appeals to a wide audience. I wouldn't say people are switching over though.

A fight can be really stale no matter what the rules except for the rather arbitrary type of aggression rule in WCL. I think the competition is good so people in both sports will have to sell a better quality product.

Answer 5

Based on what evidence. UFC, hardly. Boxing regardless of what people say is as tough as any other contact sports. For those who still think that there sport is tougher, fine, but given the fact that boxing is and will always be regarded based on its history as the more popular sport in the combative arena. Then for me that proves it. If people want to see boxers make the crossover then I suggest that there same fighters do the same. Its is just as tough too.

Answer 6

Because UFC is where the TRUE action is. Boxing is to repetitive and action is not as exciting as a sport where all forms of martial arts can be used. Also because boxing gloves are heavy padding as where UFC is thin layer. More gruelsome and yes bloody!!! Love the UFC BABY!!!

Answer 7

I think one big problem in boxing is too much interference and influence peddling by these greedy promoters. Boxing has become too much of a money-making business that the whole fight game is beginning to lose its luster. Promoters have become too powerful that they could influence the outcome of fights. Furthermore, they set up fights that will earn them big bucks instead of the much better and much anticipated match-ups. Thus, we have too many champions and too many belts because that translates to more money. I think promoters should focus on unification bouts so that we may have undisputed champions in every division. That would certainly bring back excitement to boxing.

Answer 8

UFC fighters make peanuts (no more than $250K) compared to major boxers.

No Don King or shady promoters involved in the UFC (as far as I know).

UFC fights on regular cable channels like Spike.

I'd rather have K-1 but that remains PPV domain.

Answer 9

alot of boxing fans are not switching over to UFC, a lot of novice fans are. the novice doesnt know what they are looking at as opposed to a boxing-fan. the UFC guys, no disrespect intended, I know a lot of them, are not good boxers. they are good fighters. and the general public just wants to see a good fight!

Answer 10

Good question. Anyone can catch those UFC fights free in any alley behind a bar.